Tottenham defender settles quickly into London life

Ricardo Rocha has spoken about his new life in English football with Tottenham Hotspur, and says things are going well for him since his move to the Premiership.

Rocha moved to London from Benfica in January, fulfilling a long-term ambition to play in England, but the defender admits that he found some major differences between the football played in the respective countries.

“It is so different!” Rocha told the club website. “From what we see on television we think football in England is amazing but when you come here and play it is much more amazing than you imagine.”

“The two teams fight for the ball all the time and always go all out for victory in games. The games are so fast and everyone gives everything to get the ball. It could be called a shock, but in a positive way.”

Rocha was afforded little time to ease into life at his new club, with injury problems meaning that the Portuguese was thrown straight into the team. However, the 28-year-old believes that the situation helped him settle more quickly at White Hart Lane.

“I think so because everyone tells me that players who come from other countries take six months to one year to adapt. I came in January and because of some injuries I had to play and learn quickly about the game and get to know my team-mates.”

“It made me learn fast about the way we play, the way we speak to each other and the way things are in England. So it was good to get playing quickly.”

Family settled

A fluent English speaker, Rocha and his family have settled well off the pitch, with the defender is keen to thank the club for helping him with his transition. “I am feeling okay, my family is enjoying living here, so that is the beginning of everything going well. I think having my family settled is the most important thing.”

“Lots of people here at Tottenham helped me with that and after only two days I found a house and brought them over. Then I was able to focus completely on training well, playing well and trying to help the club.”

“Everything is normal for me here and I have been lucky because the weather has been fantastic since I arrived - it has been like Lisbon! I have no problem driving out and going everywhere, I also go to the park with my kids and it is fantastic here.”